Teaching, learning and schooling shape lives. But how do we learn? Why are our experiences of education so varied? How do we promote equality in education and training? The University of Bolton's BA (Hons) Education and Learning course gives you an exciting opportunity to explore these and other vital education issues in depth.

Key information

Award:

BA (Hons)

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

3 years

Location:

University of Bolton

UCAS points:

112

UCAS code:

X300

Start date:

25/09/2023

Course Details

The BA (Hons) in Education and Learning is a fascinating degree at the University of Bolton that allows you to study a balanced combination of current educational policy and the history, sociology, philosophy and psychology of education. It's an excellent opportunity to explore in-depth some of the key current issues affecting education in the UK and abroad.

Key themes in this course include critical and reflective thinking, equality and diversity. By thinking about how we learn consciously and subconsciously, we'll explore how formal learning, alongside acquired knowledge, shapes our lives, interests and value structures.

We also encourage you to research and analyse a range of educational practices and reflect on your own and others' experiences of education. This will help you think critically about learning and teaching, and how education is perceived and received.

You'll be well prepared for postgraduate studies when you complete this course successfully. Although the course doesn't lead directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you'll have first-hand experience in schools or other educational establishments to support your application for teacher training.

Highlights

Our Education courses are ranked first in the UK for student experience and seventh in the UK for teaching quality by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, so you can be assured that we offer high standards of tuition and pastoral care.
Also, our Education courses are top in the UK for course and feedback satisfaction, according to the Guardian University Guide 2022.
Small class sizes mean a more keenly focused attention on your learning needs and strategies for success.
You'll be studying at a university known for its friendly atmosphere and get to learn alongside students from a variety of backgrounds, each with an individual and unique perspective on education.
Our professional and approachable tutors will guide and support you throughout your course, offering attentive one-to-one support.

Key Features

The programme is designed to help you gain some of the knowledge and experience required for direct entry to initial teacher education courses (QTS) or entry-level employment.
You'll have the chance to take on a systematic and reflective study of education that's illustrated and informed by the diversity of teaching and learning approaches in different sub-sectors of education.
You'll be able to take at least one placement opportunity in an educational setting, where you'll observe learning and teaching in progress and talk to teachers and students about their roles and experiences.
Our teaching draws on your own learning experiences as a starting point for understanding the formal educational process. This means contributing to research and discussion through critical reflection on your own education and by listening to others' experiences.
By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.

112 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications
Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Subjects relevant to the study of education are preferred.
You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
Please note that if you intend to progress to an initial teacher education qualification (PGCE) in Primary teaching after completing this degree, you'll need GCSEs at grade C or above or grades 4 to 9 in English Language, Mathematics and Science. If you don't have these qualifications on entry to the BA (Hons) Education and Learning, you'll need to achieve these qualifications independently while you study towards the degree. Please be aware that the following Level 2 qualifications are not accepted for entry to a Primary PGCE: Adult Literacy, Adult Numeracy, Functional Skills, Key Skills in Application of Number, and Key Skills in Communication.
If you don't possess A-levels and/or GCSEs and intend to progress to an initial teacher education qualification (PGCE), especially Primary, after completing this degree, we would strongly recommend contacting potential PGCE course providers to clarify what their entry requirements will be.
We’d love to have an informal chat with you about this course, either over the phone or in person. If you wish to meet in person, please contact the programme leader to arrange a mutually convenient time. Our open days are an especially good time to visit us and find out more. (While we reserve the right to interview you or ask you to undergo other forms of assessment to determine your suitability for study, it's not our usual practice for this course.)
This course involves working unsupervised with children and/or vulnerable young people and adults and you must gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting your studies. Charges are payable to cover the cost of the DBS Enhanced Disclosure application and annual registration with the online Update Service
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
Please note that this course is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

On the BA (Hons) Education and Learning, you'll have the chance to develop specific knowledge and skills surrounding educational issues, theories of learning, equality and diversity, education policy and practice, creativity and education, and a general understanding of education in social, political and economic contexts.

In addition, as a graduate of this degree, you'll possess generic skills that are highly sought-after in a wide range of sectors. These can include communication skills, providing evidence-based written and spoken arguments, ICT, research and analytical skills, problem-solving and self-management.

What can I do with this qualification?

The skills and experience you develop during this course can prepare you for a range of careers working with children and young people. Some of the more obvious routes for graduates include teaching, teaching assistant, learning mentor, early years teacher and community education. Some of the key graduate employers include central government departments, community and voluntary organisations, museums, the police and probation services, social services and universities.

Achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through completion of a PGCE or equivalent postgraduate qualification is a popular route for education graduates. Or you may prefer to develop a deeper understanding with a master's course in education or a related social science in subjects such as educational management or global educational leadership. Ultimately, you might consider a PhD in an education-related subject.

Alternative career options

Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Some of these careers include:

Education officer
Family liaison
Educational psychology
Educational administration
Educational writing
Careers guidance
Training and development
Quality standards
Community engagement
Youth work
Social work
Play therapy
Human resources
Publishing
Market and policy research
Librarianship

Course fees

Home Fees	Year of study				Total
Entry year	2023/24	2024/25	2025/26	2026/27
2023	£9,250	£9,250	£9,250	-	£27,750

International	Year of study				Total
Entry year	2023/24	2024/25	2025/26	2026/27
2023	£13,550	£13,550	£13,550	-	£40,650

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2022-2023 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

For 2022-2023 entry, the maximum government approved undergraduate tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year. The University is able to charge this fee subject to an approved Access and Participation Plan for 2022-2023 and its current rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Bursaries

Click here for more information about the scholarships and bursaries available to University of Bolton students.

For details of how to apply for this course, please choose your status from the options below:

If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at Bolton for September entry, then apply through UCAS

You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.

The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.

You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:

Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44

UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com

If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Bolton for any intake, you can apply directly

If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.

A direct application to Bolton provides the following features:

Free of charge to apply
Secure, simple and streamlined
Contact us directly for any admissions queries
Regular updates on your application directly from the University
Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life

NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.

For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.

If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.

Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.

If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.

Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:

Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or UGadmissions@bolton.ac.uk

Apply online: University of Bolton BA (Hons) Education and Learning - 25 September 2023

Thank you for your interest

In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.

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English Language Qualifications

Have you completed an English Language qualification prior to application or have a valid exemption as per the list below? (The qualification/exemption must be uploaded with this application) E.g. Applicants from Nigeria/Africa must upload their WAEC or NECO certificate before the application is submitted for a prompt response and offer.

Acceptable English Language Tests – Undergraduate and Postgraduate

These tests must have been taken within 2 years of the start of the course

Test	Entry Requirements
IELTS Academic (taken within 2 years)	Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements
IELTS Indicator	Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements
PTE	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 50 with no less than 42 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall score of 58 with no less than 50 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall score of 65 with no less than 58 in each component
TOEFL iBT Including Special Home Edition	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 80 with the following component scores: Reading – 18 Writing – 17 Listening – 17 Speaking - 20 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall Score of 88 with the following component scores: Reading – 20 Writing – 19 Listening – 19 Speaking 21 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall Score of 100 with the following component scores: Reading – 23 Writing – 24 Listening – 22 Speaking 22
Pearson Versant	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 55 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall score of 60 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall score of 65
Trinity College (Integrated Skills)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 ISE II –Distinction in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 ISE III – Pass in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 ISE III – Merit in each component
Other qualifications we currently accept (which do not require an additional SELT)
GCSE in English Language (from a UK awarding body)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C/C3 (20 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B/B3 (37 points)
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade D/D2 (46 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade C/C2 (66 points)
IGCSE English as a First language (for syllabus 0500 Listening and Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
IGCSE English as a Second language (for syllabus 0510 Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
Cambridge Advanced English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 170 points with no component below 160 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 180 points with no component below 170 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 185 points with no component below 180
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus A)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus B)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 5 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 6
European Baccalaureate English Language	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 70% Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 80%

Acceptable European qualifications

English component must be obtained within the last 4 years

Country	Qualification
Austria	Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis at 2.0
Belgium	Diplome d'acces a l'enseignment superieur/Diplome van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs at 75%
Bulgaria	Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie at Grade 3
Croatia	Svjedodzba o Maturi at grade 4.0
Cyprus	Apolyterion at 15
Czech Republic	Maturitni Zkou'ce/Maturita at grade 2.0
Denmark	Studentereksamen/HF/HHX/HTX/IBB /Diplomingenior at grade 9
Estonia	Riigieksamitunnistus or Gümnaasiumilõputunnistus at 70%
Finland	Ylioppilastutkintotodistus or Studentexamensbetyg at grade 5
France	Baccalauréat (le bac) or the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat at grade 12.5
Germany	Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife or Abitur or a Fachgebundene Hochschulreife at grade 2 / gut
Greece	Apolyterion at grade 15
Hungary	Erettsegi at grade 4
Italy	Diploma di Esame di Stato at grade 8/80%
Latvia	Atestats Par Visparejo Videjo Izglitib at grade 8
Lithuania	Brandos Atestatas at grade 8
Malta	Matriculation Certificate at grade C
Moldova	Diploma de Bacalaureat or Atestat de Studii Medii de Cultura Generala at grade 9
Netherlands	Diploma Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) or Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) at grade 8
Norway	Vitnemal-Videregaende Opplaering at grade 4
Poland	Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci / Matura at grade 70%
Portugal	Diploma de Ensino Secundario at grade 14
Romania	Diploma de Bacalaureat (English with all components at B2)
Slovakia	Vysvedcenie O Maturitnej at grade 2
Slovenia	Maturitetno Spricevalo at grade 4
Spain	Titulo de Bachillerato at grade 8
Sweden	Fullstandigt Slutbetyg Fran Gymnasiesk at grade C
Switzerland	Maturitatszeugnis or Maturite Federal at grade 5
Ukraine	Aтестат про повну загальну середню освіту at grade 10

Acceptable International Regional qualifications

Must be obtained no more than 4 years before the proposed start date of the course

Country	Qualification	Grade
Bahamas	General Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Botswana	General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level	Grade C/4 in English
Brunei	Cambridge O Level	Grade C6 in English
Cameroon	GCE O level	Grade C in English
Hong Kong	HKCEE	Grade C in English (Syllabus B)
Hong Kong	HKDSE	Grade 4 in English
Kenya	Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Malaysia	Malaysian 1119	Grade 6C in English - IELTS 6.0
Singapore	Singapore Cambridge O Level	Grade C6 in English
South Africa	South Africa National Senior Certificate	Grade 5 in English
Tanzania	Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Uganda	Certificate of Education	Grade 6
Zambia	Zambia School Certificate	Grade 6 in English
Zimbabwe	General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level	Grade C in English
	Caribbean Examination Council	General proficiency Grade III in English
Nigeria/Ghana	WAEC/NECO	Grade C6 in English

I confirm I hold one of the above English Language Qualifications/Exemptions before making an application. I will upload the evidence with this application.

Yes No back

Thank you for your interest

Please secure an approved English language qualification and then apply for the next intake.

Question

Have you ever received a visa refusal for entry into the UK or any other country?

Yes No back

Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we would be unable to sponsor under the Student Route Visa. If you do not require a visa to study in the UK please email us for further advice: intadmissions@bolton.ac.uk

Your Funding

Do you have full funding in place to cover your full tuition fees and living costs as required by UKVI? Please click here for more information.

Yes No back

Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we will be unable to continue with your application.

Question

Have you read and understood the course entry requirements and confirm that you fully meet the requirements? (Please click on Entry Requirements tab above to ensure you comply with all the requirements for this course)

You may also refer to the following pages for information about International Qualifications equivalency: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/your-country-entry-requirements/

For further assistance with international qualifications equivalency (paid service) – please refer to the ECCTIS website (previously known as NARIC): https://ecctis.com/Qualifications/FindTheServiceForYou.aspx

Yes No back

Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application as all entry requirements must be met.

Final Terms & Conditions

Please read the following:

I understand that the university reserves the right to withdraw their offer at any stage once the quota for the course has been filled.
I understand that I will be required to pay specific fees before CAS issuance is considered by the university.
I must declare any agent or consultant at the start of my application and they must be on the list of approved agents. (We also have Branch Offices in Africa, South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia who fully manage applications in their respective regions.)
I am able to complete the course in the normal duration.
I am able to arrive on time for the published start date.
I confirm that I will be 18 years old or more on the start date of the course.
I understand that the following documents will be uploaded as part my application:
(a) Passport with at least 6 months validity before start of course.
(b) Personal statement (written by myself).
(c) CV if applicable.
(d) Previous qualifications.
(e) English language certificate or proof of exemption.
(f) Professional references if applicable.
(g) Bank Statements and TB Certificate if applicable at the CAS issuance stage.
I have read and understood all questions and answered them correctly and truthfully to the best of my ability and knowledge.

Tick here to confirm you agree to the above

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Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application.

Congratulations

Based on the information supplied, we would like to invite you to apply for this course.

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Apply Online

The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.

How you apply is determined by your current location and what you are choosing to study:

Apply direct to the University. Links for the next available intakes of this course are shown below. Please click the link which will direct you to the online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this.
Apply via one of our approved in-country referral partners. A list of our partners may be found on the International pages of this website.
Apply via UCAS for courses starting in September only – visit www.ucas.com.

Should you have any queries please contact the International Team on +44 (0) 1204 903110 or email international@bolton.ac.uk

Apply online: University of Bolton BA (Hons) Education and Learning - 25 September 2023

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University of Bolton Group Partners

Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Bolton

For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.

If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.

When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.

If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.

Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.

If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.

Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:

Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or UGadmissions@bolton.ac.uk

Apply online: University of Bolton BA (Hons) Education and Learning - 25 September 2023

We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!

Learning and teaching for this course are supported by blended learning using a combination of face-to-face sessions and online resources. We'll help you develop your research skills while you mould your own approach to individual learning and independent research. You'll also have lectures, seminars and group work to help you progress successfully.

Assessment tasks are linked to each module's intended learning outcomes, while course assignments are based on coursework – varying from academic essays to e-discussions, presentations and seminars. Assessment tasks involve research exercises and may require you to submit reflective journals and case studies. There are also reflective activities, such as Personal Development Planning (PDP), where using relevant theories and reflective tools will help you relate theory to practice.

All the while, we'll provide feedback on your written assignments during tutorials and following presentations. We encourage presentations in some modules so you can familiarise yourself with this important experience.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

BA Research and Study Skills
Theory and Practice of Learning
Inclusive Education
Creativity, Critical Thinking and Culture
Pursuing Literacy and Numeracy
Being A Teacher
Globalisation
Educational Issues, Developments and Policies
Learners with Additional Needs
Classroom Cultures
Placement
Proposal
Philosophy of Education
Psychology of Education
The Illusion of Inclusion
Educational Leadership
Dissertation

Assessment methods

Level	Assesment method
Level one	Coursework 100%
Level two	Coursework 100%
Level three	Coursework 100%

Learning activities

Level	Learning activity
Level one	Guided independent study 70%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30%
Level two	Guided independent study 62%, Placement/study abroad 8%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30%
Level three	Guided independent study 74%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 26%

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.